Honda is warming up its new Civic range with a Type S (for
sporting) going on sale before the ultimate Type R (for racing) is
launched.

The Civic must be the most stylised of the compact hatchbacks with
its distinctive wrap-around band of lights in the front and its
tiered rows of instruments inside.

Like it or not, you have to admit that it is one of the coolest
bits of design around.

So there was not a lot that Honda could do to make the Type S stand
out more than the other models. But they have tried to give the
three-door a coupe look, added 17-inch alloy wheels and tightened
up the already taut suspension.

The result is a car that really clings to the road and reacts to
every bump and camber. The Type S feels very much more alive and
responsive to the steering, brakes and the engine.

There are two power plants, a 1.8-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre
turbo diesel. Both produce 140PS but deliver it in a VERY different
way. The iVetec petrol likes to rev and rev whilst the I-CDTi feels
deceptively laid back though it is a tad faster (one third of a
second) on acceleration to 62mph.

When it comes to economy, there is a bigger gap.

The petrol engine returns a decent 42mpg on the combined cycle.

The diesel stretches this to 54mpg but what a driver gets in real
life depends on his or her driving style.

Both engines come with slick six-speed manual gearboxes. The
starter Type S comes with air conditioning, CD player with remote
controls, alloy pedals and side curtain airbags.

There is an S GT which adds a panoramic sunroof, cruise control and
other goodies for extra cost. Prices for the Civic Type S start at
£15,250 for the petrol version.

The diesel version starts at £15,500 ? a serious premium for
what is a seriously strong and silent diesel engine. Back | Return to top | Printable Story